HC Deb 05 May 1998 vol 311 cc347-8W
Mr. Hammond

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) upon what regularly published data series he relied in making his announcement on 1 April with regard to NHS patients waiting longer than 18 months for surgery; [40461]

(2) how many patients were waiting 18 months or longer for surgery in the NHS on (a) 19 February and (b) 1 April. [40462]

Mr. Milburn

Information on the numbers of patients awaiting admission to hospital, whether it be for surgery or some other form of treatment, and how long they had been waiting is published quarterly and shows the position at the end of the quarter. Figures showing the position on 19 February and 1 April are not therefore available. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State based his announcement about the number of patients waiting longer than 18 months on 31 March on management intelligence obtained from health authorities and trusts as a special exercise. Detailed provisional figures for 31 March will be published later this month.